College Governors

Become a Capel Manor College Governor, help change the environment and support people into employment

Capel Manor College operates 5 campuses, gardens, a brilliant organic farm, two zoos and other animal collections, which bring in an income of almost £20m. The College attracts a keen and vibrant body of around 3,000 students, being a mixture of school leavers and adults studying up to degree level.

Capel Manor College plays a vital role in the green agenda for the capital, equipping the next generation of land-based sector workers with the skills and knowledge needed to help preserve and protect London's wildlife, national parks and green spaces, whilst taking great pride in its support for the environment and local communities.

We are a diverse college that strives to be outstanding in everything we do and we welcome applicants who share these values. This exciting opportunity would see you sharing and developing your knowledge, whilst positively influencing the College's students, staff and London's green future.

What's in it for you?

This voluntary role brings many fulfilling and professional rewards such as senior boardroom experience, shaping the strategy and ethos of the College and a positive step towards your long-term career development. We have exceptional partnerships including the Royal Agricultural University, The Royal Parks, the Worshipful Company of Cordwainers and the Royal Veterinary College.

As a Capel Manor College Governor, you can attend public and private events at our London campuses where you will enjoy our award-winning gardens, zoos, organic farms (and produce) and can embrace nature in all its educational forms.

Who will be an ideal candidate?

We are reaching out to people from any background and any stage in their career and welcome a broad range of skills to the board. However, we also require some more specialist knowledge, to support and enlighten the board and senior leaders, in: Human Resources; Arboriculture and Forestry; Saddlery and Leather Making and; Finance. A Governor with a broad knowledge of South London, to support our Mottingham and Crystal Palace campuses, is also a current requirement.

Capel Manor College is committed to being open, fair and valuing diversity and inclusion and so we are keen to involve people of all ages and cultural backgrounds to represent the creativity and diversity that is at the heart of London. Based on its current board profile, the College has identified that there is under-representation at governance level of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds; people with disabilities and; from the LGBTQ community. In support of its commitment to increase representation across its senior decision-making groups to better represent the communities that the College serves, we particularly welcome applications from these groups.

When will you be required?

There will be 2 vacancies for a new Governors from January 2025. The College follows a traditional governance model of committee meetings each term, and there are four full board meetings each year, including either a Student Learning Walk or a campus tour.

Capel Manor College's Governors tend to devote around 10 hours each month and your time will be of value to us, whether it be attending meetings in person or via remote engagement.

If you have any of the specialist skills required but cannot commit to a full board role, there may also be opportunities for you to get involved as a co-opted part-time member of our committees.

How to apply

If you are interested in this exciting opportunity to make a real difference, please email your CV with a brief introduction to:

Jennifer Swift

Director of Governance and Company Secretary

If you would like an informal conversation about the role before applying, please contact Jennifer Swift on the above email address.